MANILA, Philippines – Choco Mucho showed incredible tenacity and fortitude in a match that put them to the test on Saturday, defeating PLDT in Game 1 of the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference playoffs after a daunting two-set deficit.

The High-Speed Hitters delivered an early assault, easily taking the first two sets and putting Choco Mucho in danger of losing, leaving the Flying Titans in terrible shape. But instead of disintegrating under duress, the Rebisco-supported team came together, exhibiting composure and resolve that sparked an incredible comeback.

With the help of Royse Tubino, Mars Alba, and Sisi Rondina’s relentless fire, the Flying Titans turned the tide and won an exciting 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 series to take control of the best-of-three series.

Choco Mucho’s heart and soul, Rondina, acknowledged that they were aware of their deficit from the beginning yet persisted.

Sisi Rondina admitted that her squad did not always have the upper hand. She did, however, stress that they were able to remain competitive by remaining composed and making the required in-game adjustments. She emphasized the value of maintaining concentration, particularly in hotly fought circumstances where every point counts.

The group showed tenacity and resolve in the face of hardship. Not until the last whistle did any player back down or give up. Throughout the game, the steadfast attitude and competitive mindset were particularly noticeable during crucial moments when pressure was at its highest.

Rondina realized that a major factor in their effectiveness was their capacity to adjust to difficult circumstances. The squad maintained their discipline and dedication to carrying out their strategy even when it appeared that the tide was turning against them. They fought to the very end because of their strong sense of collaboration and perseverance, which were evident in their approach to the match.

Rondina and her teammates kept moving forward with this mentality, demonstrating that flexibility and mental toughness were crucial in high-stakes competition. Their performance was characterized by their unwavering resolve and reluctance to give up, demonstrating their ability to overcome challenges and win.

Sisi Rondina, the former league MVP, gave a fantastic performance that demonstrated her unwavering drive and resolve. She showed a dominant presence on both attack and defense with 31 points, 15 outstanding digs, and 12 outstanding receptions. Her efforts were essential to her team’s success, demonstrating her capacity to perform well under duress.

Rondina stayed committed to having an effect during the game. She made it a priority to consistently contribute in all areas of the game, making sure that her work helped the team. Her accomplishments demonstrated a strong dedication to teamwork and group achievement in addition to her exceptional individual performance.

She attributed the team’s success to their great camaraderie and mutual trust, in addition to her own efforts. On the court, the players’ unity was strengthened by their united goal to win. Their success became largely attributed to their mutual reliance and faith in the coaching staff.

Rondina and her teammates exhibited the traits required to excel at the highest level by adopting a mindset focused on endurance and teamwork. They were able to achieve a well-deserved triumph because of their dedication to helping one another and carrying out their strategy.

Head coach Dante Alinsunurin’s crucial substitutions of Alba, Tubino, and Maika Ortiz to stabilize the team were the catalyst for the Flying Titans’ comeback. Following Dindin Santiago-Manabat’s early departure due to knee pain, Tubino stepped up and helped back Rondina’s scoring spree with 20 vital points.

While adding three points to her total, Ortiz, a seasoned middle blocker, strengthened Choco Mucho’s net defense. Alba, meantime, galvanized the squad with her consistent playmaking and outspoken leadership, scoring three points and 16 great sets.

Beginning with the third set, Rondina saw a discernible change in the game. She maintained her composure and concentration, though, particularly when Mars arrived at the court and underlined the value of patience and faith. She remained optimistic about her team’s ability to bounce back, believing that they still had a chance to fight back and win the match as long as the opposition hadn’t won three sets.